The French novelist Marcel Proust may have written, ‘We are healed of a suffering only by experiencing it to the full’ – but he probably never had to endure the unique discomfort of DOMS after a legs day.
When it comes to the business of building muscle, microtears (and the pain they bring) are part of the programme. But does recovery always have to be so, well, agonising? There are many well-established ways to help speed up post-workout repair, ranging from hydrating properly and fuelling up on protein for muscle-synthesis support to consuming more omega-3 fats for joint health. Among the most recent solutions, however, is one that comes with a buzz.
A study published in the Journal Of Agricultural And Food Chemistry reported that the anti-inflammatory effect of antioxidants (called polyphenols) is vastly enhanced when they react with amino acids. In practical terms, unlocking this could be as simple as adding protein-rich milk to coffee, which is packed with antioxidants: that is, opting for a flat white over an espresso.
Research into the post-gym benefits of this everyday cocktail is, admittedly, in its early stages. The Danish researchers, however, are buzzing with excitement that increasing polyphenol absorption in this way could prove an effective way to ease swelling and soreness. While the science brews, we think it’s worth giving it a (double) shot.
